Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting held on 13 November 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were none.

The Chair, or their nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

Committee is asked to:

1.    Approve the formal endorsement of Surrey County Council Retrofit Strategic Action Plan; and

2.    Approve the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee to sign the endorsement letter.

The Committee resolved to:

1)    Approve the formal endorsement of Surrey County Council Retrofit Strategic Action Plan; and

2)    Approve the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee to sign the endorsement letter.

The Committee considered a report from the Climate & Energy Lead requesting endorsement of Surrey County Council’s Retrofit Strategic Action Plan. Endorsing the action plan would ensure that Spelthorne aligned with county-wide climate commitments and strengthen the Council’s position within shared funding, delivery, and skills-development programmes. The action plan aimed to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency in homes, and help meet Surrey-wide and national Net Zero commitments.

The Committee noted that social landlords had been invited to discussions regarding the strategy alongside representatives from all relevant industries and other local authorities. They would not be mandated to engage with the action plan, however there was an aim to create a culture that encouraged participation and knowledge sharing. There was no financial or material resource commitment other than officer time, which had already been taken into account.

The Committee resolved to:

1)    Approve the formal endorsement of Surrey County Council Retrofit Strategic Action Plan; and

2)    Approve the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee to sign the endorsement letter.

Committee is asked to agree that the Spelthorne Design Code be recommended for adoption at Full Council

The Committee resolved to agree that the Spelthorne Design Code be recommended for adoption at Full Council.

The Committee considered recommending that the Spelthorne Design Code be recommended for adoption by Council. The Spelthorne Design Code had been created in a collaboration between the public, technical stakeholders, and a Task Group consisting of cross-party members. The work was supported by officers in the Strategic Planning team and consultants. The design code aimed to encourage the delivery of sustainable and locally distinctive development across the Borough.

Once adopted, the design code would be promoted by the Council, and planning applicants would be required to complete relevant checklists and reports. The Council could also apply the design code to applications received.

The Committee thanked those involved in the development of the code.

The Committee resolved to agree that the Spelthorne Design Code be recommended for adoption at Full Council.

Committee is asked to:

Agree that the Consultation Draft of the Spelthorne Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPD) be published for a 4 week public consultation under Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012.

The Committee resolved to agree that the Consultation Draft of the Spelthorne Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPD) be published for a 4-week public consultation under Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012.

The Committee considered the commencement of a statutory consultation on Spelthorne Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). An addendum was also provided to the Committee of minor amendments to the document. The SPD sought to address concerns from residents and elected members regarding the location, impact and quality of HMO proposals. The SPD set out a four-stage approach to assessing all planning applications for new HMOs: a Neighbourhood Impact Assessment, Proximity Impact Assessment, Planning Standards Assessment, and Design Assessment. The thresholds for the assessments had been established following a review of best practice across the country. Unless all four assessments were satisfactorily met, the application would be recommended for refusal.

The Committee acknowledged the consultation would invite comments from residents, developers, and stakeholders on the draft document, and these would be presented to the Committee before a final decision. The Committee were assured that further work was being undertaken to assist residents in reporting any HMOs of concern, and to provide guidance to tenants and landlords about their requirements.

The Committee resolved to agree that the Consultation Draft of the Spelthorne Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPD) be published for a 4-week public consultation under Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012.

Report to follow

Committee is asked to:

1.    Review the draft detailed revenue budget for 2026/27 for Environment & Sustainability Committee and agree any amendments,

2.    Review the draft detailed Capital Budget for 2026/27 for Environment & Sustainability Committee; and

3.    Recommend to Corporate Policy & Resources Committee to approve the proposed budgets.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

A copy of the Environment & Sustainability Committee Forward Plan is attached.

The Committee received the forward plan for future Committee business.

The Committee resolved to note the forward plan.

To move the exclusion of the Press/Public for the following items, in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

The public and press did not need to be excluded for the meeting as the remainder of the items on the agenda had been withdrawn.

Committee is asked to consider the Service Plans for the Environment and Sustainability Committee.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.